U.S. patent application number 14/735736 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-15 for rfid isolation tunnel with dynamic power indexing.
The applicant listed for this patent is Avery Dennison Retail Information Services, LLC. Invention is credited to Mark W. Roth.
Application Number | 20160364589 14/735736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57516920 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160364589 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roth; Mark W. |
December 15, 2016 |
RFID ISOLATION TUNNEL WITH DYNAMIC POWER INDEXING
Abstract
A read chamber device is disclosed for use within a radio
frequency identification (RFID) scanning enclosure which provides a
means of reading a plurality of cartons moving through the
enclosure via a conveyor belt. The enclosure is positioned over a
section of the conveyor belt, such that the plurality of cartons on
the conveyor belt pass directly through the enclosure. The read
chamber device is positioned centrally to the enclosure and
projects a read zone via an antenna positioned in-line with the
flow of the conveyor which allows the read chamber to read a large
variety of inlays without changing the configuration settings of
the device. The RFID scanning enclosure also utilizes dynamic power
indexing (DPI) to combine parameter inputs to create a smarter
reader that can anticipate changes. The reader is then manipulated
in real-time to adapt to the needs of each carton and the tunnel
scanning environment.
Inventors: |
Roth; Mark W.; (North Miami,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Avery Dennison Retail Information Services, LLC |
Mentor |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57516920 |
Appl. No.: |
14/735736 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 7/10198 20130101;
G06K 7/10158 20130101; G06K 7/10435 20130101; G06K 7/10316
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/10 20060101
G06K007/10 |
Claims
1. A read chamber device for use within a radio frequency
identification (RFID) scanning enclosure for providing a means of
reading a plurality of cartons moving through the enclosure,
comprising: a conveyor for moving the plurality of cartons through
the enclosure; and at least one antenna positioned within the read
chamber device; and wherein the at least one antenna is positioned
in-line with flow of the conveyor which allows the read chamber to
read a large variety of inlays without changing the configuration
settings of the device.
2. The read chamber device of claim 1, further comprising a
resistive sheet absorber component which is positioned within the
scanning enclosure.
3. The read chamber device of claim 2, further comprising a clean,
smooth interior liner which protects internal components and
prevents catch points for the plurality of cartons moving through
the enclosure.
4. The read chamber device of claim 1, further comprising an upper
housing within the enclosure which houses all electronic and micro
control hardware components.
5. The read chamber device of claim 1, further comprising shielded
cable routing within the enclosure to negate energy slipping
through the interior pass-through of the enclosure.
6. The read chamber device of claim 1, wherein the enclosure
utilizes lamination bonding which eliminates an internal or
external frame for the enclosure.
7. The read chamber device of claim 1, wherein the enclosure
comprises a multi-inlay read capability.
8. A method of utilizing an RFID scanning enclosure with dynamic
power indexing, comprising: varying parameters of the enclosure in
real-time to handle a variety of carton sizes; configuring a target
carton which is about to be scanned; adjusting the enclosure for
each carton's needs; combining any number of input parameters prior
to scanning the target carton; and tuning the enclosure to needs
and characteristics of each individual carton.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the input parameters can be any
combination of following: Carton ID, TID, RSSI, Read Count, Inlay
type, Power Level, Reader On Time, Delay, and conveyor speed.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising incorporating a
predetermined set of input parameters into pre-processing steps for
the enclosure to set a specific configuration for each target
carton.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the input parameters are
incorporated via a micro controller which feeds an RFID reader.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the input parameters are
incorporated via GPIO functionality of the reader.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the input parameters are
incorporated via incorporating an upstream antenna/reader dedicated
to this preprocessor task.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the method allows the enclosure
to scan a plurality of cartons on a conveyor belt with fixed narrow
gaps between the cartons.
15. The method of claim 8, wherein the method allows the enclosure
to scan a plurality of cartons on a conveyor belt with varying size
gaps between the cartons.
16. A method of utilizing an RFID scanning enclosure with dynamic
power indexing, comprising: varying parameters of the enclosure in
real-time to handle a variety of carton sizes; configuring a target
carton which is about to be scanned; adjusting the enclosure for
each carton's needs; combining any number of input parameters prior
to scanning the target carton; and tuning the enclosure to needs
and characteristics of each individual carton; and wherein the
input parameters can be any combination of following: Carton ID,
TID, RSSI, Read Count, Inlay type, Power Level, Reader On Time,
Delay, and conveyor speed.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising incorporating a
predetermined set of input parameters into pre-processing steps for
the enclosure to set a specific configuration for each target
carton.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the input parameters are
incorporated via a micro controller which feeds an RFID reader.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the input parameters are
incorporated via GPIO functionality of the reader.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the input parameters are
incorporated via incorporating an upstream antenna/reader dedicated
to this preprocessor task.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates generally to radio frequency
identification (RFID) systems and devices. More particularly, the
present disclosure relates to systems and devices for further
confining and focusing radio frequency energy when applied with the
use of RFID transponders that are moving in high speed linear
motion through use of a conveyance to allow for the singulation of
carton contents.
[0002] Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are electronic
devices that may be affixed to items whose presence is to be
detected and/or monitored. The presence of an RFID tag, and
therefore the presence of the item to which the RFID tag is
affixed, may be checked and monitored by devices known as "readers"
or "reader panels." Readers typically transmit radio frequency
signals to which the RFID tags respond. Each RFID tag can store a
unique identification number. The RFID tags respond to
reader-transmitted signals by providing their identification number
and additional information stored on the RFID tag based on a reader
command to enable the reader to determine identification and
characteristics of an item.
[0003] Currently, the need for the ability to scan RFID
transponders in automated environments has caused the creation of a
scanning tunnel or enclosure (i.e., a RFID dynamic tunnel scanner).
Different manufacturers may take different approaches to scanning
these transponders. Typically, an enclosure uses a combination of
absorber material to attenuate radio frequency energy and a read
chamber central to the enclosure that projects a read zone. Thus,
the read chamber uses an absorber method that directs the main flow
of energy normal to the antenna plain, creating the read zone.
However, although this does create a field or read zone, it does
not allow for tuning of the read zone. Refinement (or tuning) of
the leading edge signal of the read zone is critical to the success
of reducing the overall gap or spacing required between cartons.
Further, some degree of tuning can be done by means of power
modulation to the antenna contained within the read chamber.
However, this is only marginally effective as a function of the
power decreases so does the effectiveness of the reader to energize
the transponders.
[0004] Furthermore, the main challenge in utilizing a RFID dynamic
tunnel scanner is the inability to capture all of the
inlay/transponders applied to each individual item within a given
carton. Specifically, spacing between cartons, speed of the
conveyor equipment, power supplied by the RFID reader, among other
parameters are all very difficult to manage to achieve a 100% read
rate without creating over-read conditions whereby inlays from
adjacent cartons upstream or downstream of the intended carton are
read as well. The other end of the spectrum of course is not
reading all of the tags properly. Typically, this is overcome by
lowering power or tuning the solution to a specific inlay type.
This can be done by filtering software data and using a probability
model to take a "best guess" as to the completeness of a particular
carton. This method may be acceptable to some end users but is
limited as it assumes a level of inaccuracy, as it is based on a
best guess of the volume of information fed to the model.
[0005] Another way to overcome this problem is tuning to a specific
power setting for a particular inlay. However, this method may not
work if the user utilizes multiple inlay types across their product
portfolio. This use of multiple inlay types sets up a scanning
requirement where potentially both high and low sensitivity tags
are in use. In a manufacturing environment, it is common to use a
single inlay as there is consistent product. However, in a
distribution environment any number of carton sizes and item types
can be moved through the system. This larger variety of product
will most likely have a variety of two or more different inlay
types. Thus, RFID dynamic scanning requires adaptability.
[0006] Another method is software filtering. This method of
filtering may not work, because it does not preclude the reading of
extraneous inlays that happen to be nearby. Thus, the system is
forced to make a judgment whether or not to include the inlay or
inlays that happen to be seen in the field as part of a carton
count. As a result, intended inlays may not be included.
Accordingly, this method depends exclusively on the software for
"accuracy" verses a well-designed tunnel that provides superior
isolation.
[0007] The present invention discloses a RFID dynamic tunnel
scanner, which doesn't depend on software for accurate reads.
Instead, the RFID dynamic tunnel scanner relies on the physics of
carefully manipulated radio frequency energy. Further, the proposed
RFID dynamic tunnel scanner provides adaptability to changing
conditions in real-time, thus providing a greater ability of
handling a large variety of inlay challenges now, as well as in the
future.
SUMMARY
[0008] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed
innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is
not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the
scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a
simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that
is presented later.
[0009] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one
aspect thereof, comprises a read chamber device for use within a
radio frequency identification (RFID) scanning enclosure (or
tunnel) which provides a means of reading a plurality of cartons
moving through the enclosure via a conveyor belt. The RFID scanning
enclosure is positioned over a section of the conveyor belt, such
that the plurality of cartons on the conveyor belt pass directly
through the RFID scanning enclosure. The read chamber device is
positioned centrally to the enclosure and projects a read zone via
an antenna positioned in-line with the flow of the conveyor which
allows the read chamber to read a large variety of inlays without
changing the configuration settings of the device.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the RFID scanning enclosure
utilizes dynamic power indexing (DPI) to combine parameter inputs
to create a smarter reader that can anticipate changes. Dynamic
power indexing also provides a means to vary the parameters of the
reader on the fly to handle a variety of carton sizes.
Specifically, the method of dynamic power indexing can combine any
number of inputs prior to the intended carton to be scanned. The
reader is then manipulated in real-time to adapt to the needs of
each carton and the tunnel scanning environment. The input
parameters could be any combination of the following: Carton ID,
TID, RSSI, Read Count, Inlay type, Power Level, Reader On Time,
Delay, and conveyor speed. All of which are pre-processing steps
that would be incorporated into setting the correct configuration
pertaining to each target carton. The use of DPI augments the
design of the RFID scanning enclosure which provides isolation and
enhances intelligent decision making and adaptability.
[0011] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are
described herein in connection with the following description and
the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but
a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein
can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and
their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become
apparent from the following detailed description when considered in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the read chamber
device and RFID scanning enclosure in accordance with the disclosed
architecture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The innovation is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident,
however, that the innovation can be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and
devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a
description thereof.
[0014] The present invention discloses a read chamber device for
use within a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanning
enclosure which provides a means of reading a plurality of cartons
moving through the enclosure via a conveyor belt. The enclosure is
positioned over a section of the conveyor belt, such that the
plurality of cartons on the conveyor belt pass directly through the
enclosure. The read chamber device is positioned centrally to the
enclosure and projects a read zone via an antenna positioned
in-line with the flow of the conveyor which allows the read chamber
to read a large variety of inlays without changing the
configuration settings of the device. The RFID scanning enclosure
also utilizes dynamic power indexing (DPI) to combine parameter
inputs to create a smarter reader that can anticipate changes. The
reader is then manipulated in real-time to adapt to the needs of
each carton and the tunnel scanning environment. The use of DPI
augments the design of the RFID scanning enclosure which provides
isolation and enhances intelligent decision making and
adaptability.
[0015] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a
read chamber device 100 for use within a radio frequency
identification (RFID) scanning enclosure (or tunnel) 102 which
provides a means of reading a plurality of cartons (not shown)
moving through the enclosure 102. Typically the plurality of
cartons move through the enclosure 102 via a conveyor belt 106 or
other transport mechanism as is known in the art. The RFID scanning
enclosure 102 is positioned over a section of the conveyor belt
106, such that the plurality of cartons on the conveyor belt 106
pass directly through the RFID scanning enclosure 102.
[0016] Once the plurality of cartons enters the enclosure 102 via
conveyor belt 106, an antenna 108 projects radio frequency energy
to create a read zone 110 for the reader. RFID tags (or
transponders) on the cartons are energized and read in the read
zone 110 by the reader and signals are transmitted back to the
reader, identifying the carton and transmitting any other
information the tags 112 might contain. One of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that using the enclosure 102 to read RFID
tags on cartons is merely one possible example and the same system
may be used for any application that involves a reading of any
group of items that are streaming through a particular location.
Thus, although the term "carton" is used throughout the present
disclosure for exemplary purposes, the term "carton" may be any
single item or a group of items.
[0017] The RFID scanning enclosure 102 can be any suitable size,
shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting
the overall concept of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that the interior and/or exterior shape of the
enclosure 102 as shown in FIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes only
and many other shapes of the enclosure 102, such as a cylinder or a
rectangle, are well within the, scope of the present disclosure.
Although dimensions of the enclosure 102 (i.e., length, width, and
height) are important design parameters for good performance, the
enclosure 102 may be any shape that ensures an optimal read zone
110 toward a carton within the enclosure 102.
[0018] Further, the RFID scanning enclosure 102 comprises a tunnel
throat (or opening) 114 wherein cartons 104 enter the enclosure 102
via the conveyor belt 106. The tunnel opening 114 is designed to
deal with motility and movement of the conveyor belt 106 the
products or cartons 104 are traveling on. For example, the tunnel
opening can have a throat capacity of approximately 30''.
[0019] Furthermore, the scanning enclosure 102 projects a read zone
110 via at least one antenna 108. Specifically, a combination of
different antenna sets are used which reduces the need for a bulky
read chamber. Further, the antennas 108 are in-line with the flow
of the conveyor, which allows the read chamber to read a large
variety of inlays, and at the same configuration settings. The at
least one antenna 108 of the present invention, in one embodiment,
may be very thin profile antenna allowing integration into at least
one wall of the enclosure. The at least one antenna may have a
narrow beam width. Any suitable number of antennas 108 and/or
combination of different antenna sets can be used as is known in
the art, depending on the wants and needs of a user and the
configuration of the enclosure 102. Further, any suitable type of
antenna can be used as is known in the art, such as a wide angle
antenna, linear, circular, air gap, narrow beam, and/or
omni-directional antenna etc., depending on the wants and needs of
a user and the configuration of the enclosure 102.
[0020] Additionally, a resistive sheet absorber technique which
uses strategic placement internal to the structure is secured
within the enclosure. The resistive sheet absorber material
typically comprises a thin film material combined with a defined
air gap, though any other suitable material can be used as is known
in the art. Thus, energy projected (or leaked) to the sides of the
antenna 108 is canceled through the use of the resistive sheet
absorber material to create a fixed read zone 110. Accordingly,
cartons (and their transponders or tags) entering the fixed read
zone 110 are detected and read by the reader and information
contained within the tags is transmitted to the reader.
[0021] Overall, the RFID scanning enclosure 102 comprises a smaller
size form factor than the prior art scanning enclosures, and does
not have a bulky read chamber. The RFID scanning enclosure 102
relies 100% on the physics of the RF field (or zone), not software
filtering, and utilizes isolation to prevent both over-reads and
stray reads outside the tunnel. The RF scanning enclosure 102 also
comprises a multi-inlay read capability and higher read density.
The RF scanning enclosure 102 utilizes a lamination bonding
technique to eliminate the need for an internal or external frame
or exoskeleton. The RF scanning enclosure 102 integrates a unique
antenna design with a superior axial ratio. Further, the RF
scanning enclosure 102 utilizes a resistive sheet absorber
technique which uses strategic placement internal to the structure.
An interior liner provides a contiguous clean smooth surface for
both protection of components as well as avoids any potential catch
points. The RF scanning enclosure 102 comprises an upper housing to
house all electronic and micro control required hardware, and
shielded cable routing to negate energy slipping through the
interior pass-through. In one embodiment, antennas are mounted in
strategic locations on at least one wall of the enclosure of the
present invention. The absorber may reside on the outboard surfaces
to attenuate stray signal from projecting outside enclosure.
[0022] Furthermore, the RFID scanning enclosure 102 utilizes
dynamic power indexing (DPI) to combine very desperate inputs to
create a smarter reader that can anticipate changes. Dynamic power
indexing also provides a means to vary the parameters of the reader
on the fly to handle extremes of packaging from high density item
packs to small light weight items as well as the variety of carton
sizes. Thus, DPI takes a more proactive approach to understanding
what is about to be scanned and adjusting the system for each
cartons needs. Specifically, the method of dynamic power indexing
can combine any number of inputs prior to the intended carton to be
scanned. The reader is then manipulated in real-time to adapt to
the needs of each carton and the tunnel scanning environment.
[0023] Typically, a reader is set to one power setting, and in many
cases end users choose to operate at full allowable RF power and
are then forced to increase the gaps between cartons. This also
requires a user to physically isolate surrounding inventory, and to
use software models in the background to attempt to achieve
accurate counts. However, even with the use of software models,
stray reads are still inevitable, and productivity throughput is
typically very slow as larger gaps require more time to process
goods.
[0024] The use of DPI augments the design of the RFID scanning
enclosure 102 which provides isolation and enhances intelligent
decision making and adaptability. DPI combines any number of inputs
to change the reader settings in real-time to provide optimum read
conditions for each specific carton. The reader is then tuned to
the needs and characteristics of each individual carton. The input
parameters could be any combination of the following: Carton ID,
TID, RSSI, Read Count, Inlay type, Power Level, Reader On Time,
Delay, and conveyor speed. All of which are pre-processing steps
that would be incorporated to setting the correct configuration
pertaining to each target carton. Some of these tasks can be done
with a micro controller feeding an RFID reader. Another method is
to use the GPIO functionality of the reader itself to take in
inputs. Another alternative is to incorporate an upstream
antenna/reader dedicated to this preprocessor task.
[0025] The following is a description of the parameters and their
uses in the process. For example, TID, which represents the chip
manufacturer's unique serial number can be used as a parameter.
Although it is possible the same chip manufacturer type could be
used in multiple inlays, it is unlikely if differing size labels
are used, so this parameter could be used as a supplemental feed
verses a primary determiner of settings. Further, knowing the TID
does provide insight as to the read sensitivity of the chip no
matter what the inlay type may be, allowing for adjustments in
power level up or down as needed by that chip's characteristics.
For example, slower responding chips may need more time or more
energy saturation to achieve complete reads.
[0026] Another parameter is carton size. This parameter is not the
actual carton size but the virtual carton size as represented by
the movement of a carton on a conveyor, which are two very
different things to consider. Actual carton size represents the
measured values of the corrugate as measured by a tape measure.
Virtual carton size is measured by edge trigger sensing and
combined with the actual speed of the conveyor to determine the
real size of the box as would be seen by the tunnel system. Virtual
carton size helps take into account the inherent slippage that
occurs when cartons are moving on a conveyor. It also helps factor
for the variance in actual speed as a result of varying carton
weights thus possibly making the carton appear longer or shorter
than it really is.
[0027] Another parameter is (RSSI) Receive Signal Sensitivity
Indicator, which is a rough gauge of how the reader perceives the
inlays that are within its field of influence. This has proven to
be a parameter that cannot be relied on exclusively for tuning a
dynamic system but is a great asset to act as a supplemental feed
for building a configuration. RSSI could be used to set base line
thresholds to weed out questionable inlays or carton packing
inaccuracies.
[0028] Another parameter is read count, which is the number of
times each individual inlay is seen by the reader while in the RF
field. Again this would be a strong parameter in combination with
other parameters such as RSSI to determine speed or power level
settings.
[0029] The parameter of Carton ID has multiple roles. It can be the
most powerful parameter but most data records in customer databases
do not currently contain fields that include the other parameters
in the listing. Using the Carton ID will allow a predetermination
of what should be in the box and how many (i.e., the quantity).
Additionally, the Carton ID could provide information on what type
of label/tag/inlay should be attached to those items. It could also
inform the Dynamic Power Indexing software what types of items in
relation to composition and density that should be expected.
Further, it may also provide critical information as to anticipate
pack density such as loose fill or densely packed denim for
example.
[0030] Another supplemental parameter that goes one step above the
TID is inlay type. Inlay type helps to provide feedback on whether
the tag being used is very robust with good omni-directional
capability or is a very orientation sensitive tag. Further, this
parameter can have a big impact on how the reader is configured to
deal with easily read inlays verses inlays requiring a properly
polarized field.
[0031] Further, power or power level is a primary parameter fed to
the reader in real-time based on the other parameters that have
been feed into a calculation. Typically, power needs can vary
greatly per carton. The Reader On Time parameter is essentially the
burst duration when the read cycle is turned on. This can vary
greatly based on all the parameters fed to the system to determine
best setting. For example, small measured boxes may only require a
very short burst of energy while in the field, whereas longer boxes
need a longer duration. Reader On Time can also be a function of
what is inside the carton. Higher density contents may require
longer Reader On Time to energize and capture all the tags.
[0032] The Timing parameter is a calculation based on the total
pre-read read cycle. Time is a function of the distance of where
the pre-read analysis takes place before entering the tunnel.
Specifically, how far upstream and how much time does it take
before the carton is delivered? The Delay parameter is the amount
of delay needed from the time the edge of the carton is seen to the
time the reader is activated to read tags in a carton. Delay may be
a function of what the dynamic algorithm indicates or a fixed
value. Further, Delay determines the distance the carton has moved
into the field (read zone) before the read session is turned
on.
[0033] Conveyor control is another parameter that can be
advantageous. If gap sequencing is used, this parameter can assist
with the metering aspect. The value that is used can then be fed
into the overall algorithm determining reader configuration
settings. The Conveyor speed parameter, which is the value of
obtaining and knowing the accurate speed measurement of the
conveyor speed should not be discounted. A wide variety of
situations can influence the real speed of the conveyor. For
example, true slew rate, load bearing, inherent slippage, power
(brown out), and variable speed adjustment are but some of the
factors changing the perceived size of any given carton.
[0034] With edge sensing upstream of the actual tunnel, the Carton
Gap parameter can be added to make adjustments to the system where
typically a minimum gap standard has to be set as carton spacing is
unknown. Typically, systems are designed with leading edge to
leading edge physical measurements wherein minimum gaps are
determined by the largest carton size. However, this does not
account for smaller carton sizes that increase gaps where higher
power settings could be used for the RFID scanning solutions
advantage.
[0035] The use of DPI does not imply that all of the parameters
listed above are all inclusive. Other parameters not listed may be
employed with DPI as they come available with ever evolving
technology refreshes. However, DPI does imply that through the use
of the Dynamic Power Indexing technique a superior dynamic RFID
scanning environment can be created and configured in real-time to
meet the specific criteria required to match the specific needs of
each carton and their respective items tagged with inlays contained
within.
[0036] Specifically, software would be developed to encompass all
listed parameters and a user would choose what combination of
parameters to use to achieve the highest performance for the given
infrastructure conditions. The DPI method also allows the
possibility of narrower gaps or even the ability to deal with
varying gaps between cartons verses a minimum fixed index
value.
[0037] What has been described above includes examples of the
claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for
purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of
ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further
combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are
possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to
embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in
either the detailed description or the claims, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a
transitional word in a claim.
* * * * *